Uma Chetry, a young cricketer from Assam, India, has made history by becoming the first female cricketer from the state to earn a spot in the Indian Women’s National Cricket Team. Her selection for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Bangladesh marks a momentous occasion for the cricketing fraternity of Assam. Here is a look into the journey of Uma Chetry, her early passion for cricket, and the significance of her achievements.
Hailing from Bokakhat: A Humble Beginning
Early Inclination Towards Cricket
Uma’s love affair with cricket began in Bokakhat, a quaint town in Assam’s Golaghat district. From a very young age, she was smitten by the sport. Her passion was ignited when she saw her elder siblings playing cricket. With a makeshift bat, young Uma practiced indoors, using potatoes as balls.
Support from the Family
Despite financial constraints, Uma’s mother, Dipa, played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent. She bought Uma a plastic bat and ball at the age of three and stood by her when others questioned her playing with boys. Uma’s father, a small-scale farmer, and her four brothers were also supportive of her dreams.
Ascending Through The Ranks
Recognition at District Level
Uma’s talent was evident. Her tenacity caught the eye of Ajoy Sarma, the treasurer of the Golaghat District Sports Association. Realizing her potential, he recommended her to the Assam Cricket Association.
Flourishing in the State Team
Joining the Assam state team in 2017, Uma proved her mettle by delivering stellar performances in domestic matches. Her consistent scores in T20s and ODIs eventually earned her a spot in the India Emerging Team for the Emerging Asia Cup in Hong Kong.
Achievements & Success: The Dawn of a New Era
Making a Mark in the India A Team
Uma’s inclusion in the India A team bore fruit as she played a key role in the team’s triumphant run at the Asia Emerging Cricket Tournament. Her remarkable skills in batting and wicketkeeping were central to the team’s success.
Historic National Call-up
Uma made history when she became the first Assamese cricketer ever chosen for India Women’s National Cricket Team’s tour to Bangladesh for both T20 and ODI matches.
Echoes of Acclamation
Praises from a Veteran
Subhadeep Ghosh, a former Ranji player from Assam and the women’s team fielding coach, lauded Uma as a fearless player. Her selection in the national team is viewed as a watershed moment for Assam cricket.
Commendations from the Chief Minister
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took to Twitter to celebrate Uma’s achievement, expressing immense pride and extending his support for the upcoming Bangladesh tour.
Concluding Thoughts: An Inspiration to Many
Uma Chetry’s journey from rural Assam to representing India at international cricket represents both hard work and perseverance. She overcame both personal hardship and social expectations to become an inspiration to thousands of young aspirants in cricketing circles alike – particularly female aspirants who dream of making it big on the international circuit. Uma’s rise was testament to both hard work and determination from family, mentors, friends, coaches, teammates, supporters and fellow team mates, giving rise to her being seen as the face of perseverance against odds despite them all! Her journey exemplifies the triumph of perseverance and passion over adversity.
